You're sitting there, thumbing through your phone, trying to figure out if there's actually a scrap worth watching tonight. It's Thursday, January 15, 2026. Usually, Thursdays are for the "B-sides" or regional shows, but honestly, tonight has a few gems if you know where to look. We aren't talking about a massive UFC 324 pay-per-view—that’s coming in a few weeks—but there's enough leather being thrown to satisfy that itch.
So, what time the fight start tonight? It depends on which coast you're on and whether you’re looking for local boxing or international MMA.
The Heavy Hitter: TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC
Wait, wrestling? Stick with me. Tonight is actually a massive deal for the combat sports world because TNA Wrestling is making its historic debut on AMC. They are airing live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. If you're looking for pure entertainment and high-stakes drama, this is the main course for a Thursday night.
- Start Time: 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT.
- The Main Event: Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship.
- Where to Watch: AMC (Live).
Basically, this is the "premiere" event of the evening. They've even got Bully Ray on special guest commentary. It’s a nostalgic trip with modern stakes.
What Time the Fight Start Tonight: Regional Boxing and MMA
If you’re a purist who needs real gloves and no scripts, there are several regional cards happening across North America. These are the "prospect" shows where you see the next big thing before they hit the bright lights of Vegas.
Thursday Night At The Fights (Anchorage, AK)
This is a staple for the hardcore crowd. If you're in Alaska or tuning in via local streams, this one starts late for the East Coasters but is prime time for the West.
- Start Time: 7:30 PM AKT (which is 11:30 PM ET).
- Venue: William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center.
2026 Lowell Golden Gloves (Lowell, MA)
The amateur scene is where the legends are born. The Lowell Golden Gloves is legendary in the boxing world. Seriously, the atmosphere in that auditorium is better than most pro shows.
- Start Time: 7:30 PM ET.
- Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
Battle of the Badges (Indio, CA)
Looking for some charity-driven brawls? Fantasy Springs is hosting a first-responder event. It’s usually high energy and very loud.
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- Start Time: 6:00 PM PT (9:00 PM ET).
- Venue: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
International Scraps: Alash Pride 116 & 117
For the real degregates who stay up all night (or wake up very early), Kazakhstan is the place to be. Alash Pride is a legitimate proving ground for Central Asian talent that eventually migrates to the UFC.
- Location: Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
- Main Event: Zholdassov vs. Madaliev.
- Timing: Because of the time difference, these fights are effectively happening throughout the day and into the evening depending on your global position. If you're in the US, you've likely missed the live broadcast, but replays are usually hitting the specialized MMA streaming sites right about now.
Why Tonight Matters (Even Without a UFC Card)
You’ve probably seen the headlines about UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett happening on January 24th. That is the "Big One." But tonight serves as the appetizer.
The TNA move to AMC is a seismic shift in how combat-adjacent sports are broadcast. It's the first time in a long time a major wrestling promotion has landed on a prestige cable network like AMC. If the ratings tonight are huge, expect more "fight night" style programming to bleed into your mid-week schedule.
Also, keep an eye on the Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa news. While that fight is technically "tomorrow" (Friday, Jan 16) in Australia, the weigh-ins and final pressers are wrapping up tonight US time. The bad blood there is actually insane—Zerafa has been calling the Tszyu family "protected" for years. It's the kind of drama that makes the actual fight start time feel like an eternity away.
Actionable Steps for Fight Fans Tonight
- Check your AMC subscription: If you haven't watched TNA in years, tonight’s debut at 9 PM ET is the most polished production you’ll find on a Thursday.
- Set a reminder for 11:30 PM ET: If you're a night owl, the Anchorage "Thursday Night at the Fights" is a great way to see raw, unfiltered boxing.
- Prepare for tomorrow: The Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel 2 weigh-ins are finished. That fight starts tomorrow at 8:00 PM ET on DAZN. If you're a betting person, tonight is when you look for those opening lines before the public jumps on them.
- Download the Kayo Sports or DAZN App: If you plan on catching the Tszyu vs. Zerafa fight or the Golden Boy card tomorrow, get your login sorted now so you aren't fumbling with "forgot password" when the main walkouts happen.
Knowing what time the fight start tonight is only half the battle; knowing where to find the niche streams is what separates the casuals from the die-hards. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the Dallas debut of the new era of TNA or the local grit of the Golden Gloves.